Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s school aged immunisation service (SAIS) is offering all young people in Year 8 and above a free vaccination to help protect them against developing certain types of high-risk cancers.
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective immunisation. It helps to protect young people from getting human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that live on the skin and can cause several types of cancer in both males and females, including: cervical, vulval, vaginal, penile, anal and some mouth and throat cancers. The vaccine also helps to protect against developing genital warts, which are also caused by the human papillomavirus.
The school aged immunisation service will be visiting secondary schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland throughout January 2026, until Friday 6 March 2026.
Marie Butterworth, clinical lead for the school aged immunisation service, said: “HPV infections are very common; more than 70% of unvaccinated people will get HPV. Just one dose of the vaccine can help to significantly reduce a young person’s risk of developing HPV-related cancers and potentially save their life. Having the vaccination at 12-13 years old is recommended, before young people are exposed to the virus.”
The vaccine is part of the national NHS immunisation programme of recommended vaccinations. It is given as a quick injection into the upper arm.
Marie added: “We know that some young people get nervous about having an injection. The vaccination just feels like a small scratch. I’d like to reassure you that our experienced vaccinators will do everything they can to support young people during the vaccination session. Whether we distract them with conversations, let them listen to music or have the vaccine with a friend, there are lots of things we can do to help.
“We’d really encourage parents and carers to speak to their child about the vaccine and what it entails to make sure everyone is happy.”
Parents and carers will be sent detailed information about the vaccine from their child’s school and will be asked to fill out an online consent decision form.
If parents or carers have any questions, they can contact the school aged immunisation service on 0300 3000 007.
More information about the HPV vaccination for parents and carers can be found on the LPT HPV information hub for parents and carers and information about the HPV for young people and teens can be found by visiting the Health for Teens website.